What Causes Low Sex Drive in Men?

Although you may be hard-pressed to find a man who would admit to it, American men are losing their interest in sex, according to “Psychology Today” magazine. Marriage therapist Michele Weiner-Davis says that about 20 to 25 percent of men have low sexual desire. Many men connect their sense of self-esteem with their virility, so it can be quite distressing for a man to lose his sex drive.

Indirect Cause

As men age, it is more common to experience erectile dysfunction, which is not a cause of low sex drive but can lead to it. By the time men reach 60, it is 25 percent to 30 percent likely for them to be unable to keep an erection, according to WebMD. If this happens to a man, a decreased sex drive is a likely outcome. Many drugs are now on the market to treat ED that will enhance blood flow to the penis.

Mental Blocks

If a man is anxious and puts pressure on himself in the bedroom, that could lead to low sex drive. Common reasons for anxiety are premature ejaculation, performance anxiety or failure to help their partner climax. One in three men report problems with climaxing too soon, according to WebMD. One in five is worried about his performance.

Stress

Factors outside the bedroom can lead to problems in the bedroom. For example, if a man is under stress at work, that could affect his sex drive. If he has feelings of low-self esteem, he might not feel deserving and can shut down, according to WebMD. Stress can also cause testosterone levels to decrease, according to Go Ask Alice, Columbia University’s Health Internet Service. Testosterone therapy, such as injections or body spray, can help. The injections can last for two weeks and the spray for a few days.

Medications

Some antidepressants, called SSRIs, can decrease the sex drive. Blood pressure medicines and tranquilizers can have a negative effect, too. Drugs, such as marijuana, heroin and cocaine can also diminish the sex drive, as can alcoholism. If any types of medications are causing loss of sex drive, talk to your doctor about alternative medications. As far as illicit drug use, sex could be a motivating factor to stop.

Angry at Wives

If a woman is too critical of her husband, this could lead to problems in the bedroom. Men need to feel appreciated to want to perform, according to “Psychology Today.” A man can feel emasculated when a woman cannot see the hard work he puts into the relationship or the family. That can shut off sexual desire in a big way. Weiner-Davis suggests that couples in this situation just take action and have sex. She uses an Italian saying to illustrate her point–the appetite comes while eating.